The Best Time to Plant Liriope Muscari

Liriope muscari, commonly called lily turf, is a flowering herbaceous perennial in the Ruscaceae plant family. The sword shaped leaves grow in a clump 1 to 1.5 feet tall and blooms in summer producing multiple lavender colored flowers along an erect stalk. Lily turf grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 11.

Fall Planting

Fall is planting month in the mild climates of zones 8 through 10 where winters rarely freeze over and the soil is moist and damp. The best time to plant lily turf is in October. Planting in October allows the roots to get well established in the soil during the cool, wet season. If October slips by before the plants are in the ground, you can plant in November or early December if the weather is mild.

Spring Planting

Lily turf can be planted in spring or summer if fall planting is not an option. When planting in spring, the earlier the better after the last frosts of the winter season. When planting in late spring or summer, pick a cool overcast day or plant early in the morning or evening. In dry weather, plants require regular watering to keep the soil damp down to the base of the root ball after planting.

Dividing Turf Lily

Like many perennials, turf lily gets overcrowded and requires regular dividing every two to three years. October and November are the ideal times to divide lily turf plants. The divisions can be replanted in the soil in a new spot in the garden, or potted up to give away. When dividing, simply slide a shover or garden fork under the clump and lift it from the soil, pull the roots into three or four sections and replant.

Planting Lily Turf

When planting lily turf from a nursery pot or from another spot in the garden, make sure to plant at the same depth in the soil so that the base of the stalks are level with the natural soil line. Regular watering in summer, at least once a week or more during dry weather, keeps this perennial looking lush and green. In fall, clip off any dead foliage to keep the lily turf looking neat and tidy.

About the Author

Eulalia Palomo has been a professional writer since 2009. Prior to taking up writing full time she has worked as a landscape artist and organic gardener. Palomo holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from Boston University. She travels widely and has spent over six years living abroad.